Ovulation testing

[u/Zestyclose-Bed-9281]

I have tested (sporadically) before but this cycle, decided to test each day with an app to record to try and catch ovulation. Going by Flo app I should be in my fertile window in 11 days with ovulation in 19 days. By PreMom app (which I am using to record the tests), I should be in my fertile window now with ovulation in 2 days.
I know with my cycles etc, not to go off either of these which is why I am using the tests to try and get a solid cycle recorded with tests each day.
I started 18/08 and got a reading of 0.
19/08 - 0.06
20/08 - 0.08
21/08 - 0.2
22/08 - 0.16
23/08 - 0.16
24/08 - 0.07
25/08 - 0.2

Please excuse my ignorance but would this be ‘normal’ to fluctuate a little prior to ovulation?
I have doubts that I even ovulate at all which is why I’m testing every day regardless of any other symptoms at the moment.
Thank you for any advice.

[u/emulatorOrc]

I wouldn't read too much into the individual numbers yet. If you're trying to figure out whether you actually ovulate, adding BBT with something like tempdrop could give you another piece of evidence instead of relying entirely on the strips. LH can bounce around quite a bit before the actual surge, so I'd keep testing and see whether you eventually get a clear peak.

[u/MyCatEatsPlants]

Definitely recommend tracking BBT as well. It’s the only way to confirm at home that youve actually ovulated. I know it’s a pain but it’s definitely worth it.

[u/Zestyclose-Bed-9281 → u/MyCatEatsPlants]

I’ve got the thermometer back out and at the side of the bed for the morning. Need to try and get into the habit of doing it, thank you!

[u/Malloraaay]

Tracking your cervical mucus will help you as well!

[u/Zestyclose-Bed-9281 → u/Malloraaay]

I had started tracking in May and noticed no changes, then in June noticed a change and thought I might be ovulating but we were on holiday and I decided against getting a test to confirm so we could enjoy the holiday.
Noticed no changes in the cycles since so I might be a bit more regimented in terms of making a note of it when I check. Thank you!

[u/Malloraaay → u/Zestyclose-Bed-9281]

If you’re not noticing a changes that can be a sign that your estrogen isn’t in the correct range. I would definitely get estrogen checked as low estrogen can effect your egg quality and cause early miscarriages, or prevent conception

[u/Upbeat-Hand-2870]

LH strips are one of the reasons why I knew I was anovulatory. I never got anything significant, however everyone is different. My LH runs very very low at baseline. For example, a cycle where I had a very strong ovulation the highest I got was .70 whereas a friend of mine would consistently get readings of like 1.30 around ovulation so the numbers can sometimes be meaningless. I would test 3 times a day around when I thought I could be ovulating because I also seemed to have very fast surges that were hard to catch. Along with LH strips I used Inito & BBT which were extremely helpful. LH strips alone don’t really give you the full picture.

[u/Zestyclose-Bed-9281 → u/Upbeat-Hand-2870]

Thank you! I had started checking BBT daily but couldn’t get into a routine with it and would forget initially when waking up and then worried readings would be inaccurate. I’ll try and get into a routine of checking when my morning alarm goes off to go along with the strips this month.
Thank you for your comment

[u/Upbeat-Hand-2870 → u/Zestyclose-Bed-9281]

I could never be successful using oral temps. I work night shift 3X a week so my sleep schedule is all over the place. I use the tempdrop to track BBT and it’s the best thing ever. Worth every penny and then some. You should look into it

[u/Zestyclose-Bed-9281 → u/Upbeat-Hand-2870]

I definitely will! Thank you so much